Public Policy Advocacy

We believe that well-designed, adequately funded, and accessible public policies are essential to eradicating poverty and creating equitable pathways to thriving adulthood, particularly for young people ages 9 to 25 who face the greatest barriers to opportunity.

Unfortunately, the potential of adolescence is often constrained by economic, social, and structural disadvantages, including economic injustice, racism, and discrimination. These powerful societal forces shape the trajectories of young people’s lives, restricting their access to essential opportunities, services, and supports while subjecting them to increased risks, stress, and pressures.

These stark inequities in access to opportunity result in equally stark differences in outcomes, including health, safety, well-being, education, and future employment. For young people experiencing these disparities, challenges are often compounded by the shortcomings of multiple systems, where obstacles in one area can adversely affect outcomes in others.

Public policy advocacy that focuses on influencing decision-makers, laws, and local and state government actions to build more equitable systems and policies has the potential to create broad, lasting, and meaningful change. Through a sustained commitment to advocacy, Caring for Colorado will support its grantee partners in addressing the root causes of inequity and work toward eliminating health disparities, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes for all young people.

We prioritize funding for local and state public policy advocacy initiatives that align with Caring for Colorado’s strategies. We focus on organizations with a proven track record in:

• Advancing and Implementing Equity-Centered Policies: Demonstrating a commitment to promoting fairness and addressing disparities in policy development and execution.
• Collaborating with Impacted Communities: Engaging meaningfully with those directly affected by issues to develop and implement effective policy solutions.
• Addressing Root Causes of Inequities: Tackling the fundamental issues that contribute to disparities through thoughtful policy development.
• Building Strong Coalitions: Creating and nurturing partnerships to ensure successful adoption and implementation of policies.
• Utilizing Evidence and Research: Grounding policy solutions in robust evidence and research to ensure effectiveness and relevance.

By supporting organizations that excel in these areas, we aim to drive systemic change and promote equity through effective public policy advocacy.

The three focus areas of this funding opportunity are designed to:

• Defend, secure, and expand the financing of safety net services — specifically Medicaid, the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), Title X, and SNAP — for young people and their families.
• Develop and pass local tax initiatives that support access to youth physical and mental health services.
• Promote and defend sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people in Colorado.

Click here for more information on eligibility and how to apply.